Standard Horizon HX300 User manual

Page 1HX300
HX300
Floating VHF FM Marine Transceiver
Owner’s Manual

HX300Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Reference Guide.................................................................................................................................... 3
1. GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 5
2. ACCESSORIES .......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 PACKING LIST.............................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 OPTIONS....................................................................................................................................... 6
3. ABOUT THIS RADIO................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND ............................................................................................ 8
3.2 ABOUT WATER RESISTANCE ................................................................................................... 8
3.3 DISTRESS AND HAILING (CHANNEL 16)................................................................................ 8
3.4 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)............................................................... 9
3.5 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13................................................................................................ 10
3.6 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67................................................................................................ 10
3.7 SIMPLEX / DUPLEX CHANNEL USE........................................................................................ 10
3.8 AUTOMATED RADIO CHECK SERVICE ..................................................................................11
4. GETTING STARTED................................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 RADIO CARE............................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS.................................................................................................. 12
4.2.1 BATTERY SAFETY ......................................................................................................... 13
4.2.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION / REMOVAL.......................................................................... 14
4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING.................................................................................................... 15
4.3 BELT CLIP INSTALLATION / REMOVAL ................................................................................... 16
HAND STRAP INSTALLATION .................................................................................................. 16
4.4 INSTALLATION OF OPTION ..................................................................................................... 17
4.4.1 FBA-44 ALKALINE BATTERY CASE ............................................................................ 17
5. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ............................................................................................................ 18
5.1 CONTROLS AND SWITCHES................................................................................................... 18
5.2 LCD INDICATORS ...................................................................................................................... 21
6. BASIC OPERATION................................................................................................................................ 23
6.1 PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS............................................................................................ 23
6.2 INITIAL SETUP ........................................................................................................................... 23
6.3 RECEPTION ................................................................................................................................ 23
6.4 TRANSMISSION.......................................................................................................................... 24
6.4.1 TRANSMIT TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT).............................................................................. 24
WATER ENABLED LIGHT ........................................................................................................... 24
6.5 USA, CANADIAN, AND INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS.......................................................... 25
6.6 KEYPAD LOCK ........................................................................................................................... 25
6.7 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS.................................................................................................. 25
6.7.1 NOAA WEATHER ALERT ................................................................................................ 26
6.7.2 NOAA WEATHER ALERT TESTING ................................................................................ 26
6.8 PRESET CHANNELS (0 ~ 9): INSTANT ACCESS ................................................................... 27
6.8.1 PROGRAMMING ............................................................................................................. 27
6.8.2 OPERATION..................................................................................................................... 27
6.8.3 DELETING A PRESET CHANNEL................................................................................ 27
6.9 SCANNING .................................................................................................................................. 28
6.9.1 PROGRAMMING SCAN MEMORY ............................................................................... 28
6.9.2 SELECTING SCAN TYPE.............................................................................................. 28
6.9.3 OPERATION..................................................................................................................... 29
6.9.3.1 Priority Scan ....................................................................................................... 29
6.9.3.2 Memory Scan ..................................................................................................... 30
6.10 DUAL WATCH............................................................................................................................. 30
6.11 TRI-WATCH ................................................................................................................................. 31
7. MENU
(“SET”)MODE.............................................................................................................................. 32
8. MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................................................ 34
8.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................................... 34
8.2 REPLACEMENT PARTS............................................................................................................. 34
8.3 FACTORY SERVICE................................................................................................................... 35
8.4 TROUBLESHOOTING CHART................................................................................................... 35
9. VHF MARINE CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT ............................................................................................. 36
10. WARRANTY.............................................................................................................................................. 42
11. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 45
11.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................................... 45
11.2 TRANSMITTER............................................................................................................................ 45
11.3 RECEIVER................................................................................................................................... 45
12. FCC AND CANADA RADIO LICENSE INFORMATION ..................................................................... 46
13. FCC NOTICE ........................................................................................................................................... 47

Page 3HX300
Quick RefeRence Guide
This transceiver is equipped with the E2O (Easy-To-Operate) system. You
can do the basic operation in numerical order of the illustration below.
Press and hold the key to turn on or off the radio.
Press the key (“VOL” indicator blinks), then press the / key to
adjust the speaker audio volume.
Press the / key to selects the operating channel.
Press the key two times (“SQL” indicator blinks), then press the
key to squelch or press the key to un-squelch the radio.
Press the key to toggle the transmit power between High (5W) and
Low (1W).
Press the key briey to recall channel 16.
Press and hold the key for two seconds to recall channel 9.
Press the key again to revert to the last selected channel.
Place your mouth about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from MIC hole and speak
in a normal voice level while pressing the PTT switch.
MIC Hole

HX300Page 4
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the HX300! Whether this is your
first portable marine VHF transceiver, or if you have other STANDARD
HORIZON equipment, the STANDARD HORIZON organization is commit-
ted to ensuring your enjoyment of this high performance transceiver, which
should provide you with many years of satisfying communications even in the
harshest of environments. STANDARD HORIZON technical support person-
nel stands behind every product sold, and we invite you to contact us should
you require technical advice or assistance by calling [phone] Monday
through Friday 8AM to 5PM Pacic time.
The HX300 is a Submersible Floating 5-Watt portable two way marine trans-
ceiver. The transceiver has all allocated USA, International, or Canadian
channels. It has emergency channel 16 which can be immediately selected
from any channel by pressing the key. NOAA (National Oceanic and At-
mospheric Administration) Weather channels can also be accessed immedi-
ately by press and holding the key.
The HX300 includes the following features: Memory Scanning, Priority Scan-
ning, Dual and Tri-watch, NOAA Weather Alert, easy-to-read large LCD dis-
play, Battery Life displayed on LCD, the Water Enabled Light which blinks
automatically when the radio comes in contact with water even if the radio is
turned off, and a transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT).
The HX300 transmitter provides a full 5 Watt of transmit power and also is
selectable to 1 Watt to assist the user in ensuring maximum battery life.
We appreciate your purchase of the HX300, and encourage you to read this
manual thoroughly, so as to learn and fully understand the capabilities of the
HX300.

Page 5HX300
1.2 SAFETY INFORMATION
Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low power transmit-
ter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pushed, the transceiver sends out
radio frequency (RF) signals. In August 1996, the Federal Communications
Commission adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for hand-
held wireless devices.
This device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50% (this
corresponds to 50% transmission time and 50% reception time).
WARNING: To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines,
this transmitter and its antenna must maintain a separation distance of at
least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your face. Speak in a normal voice, with
the antenna pointed up and away from the face at the required separation
distance.
Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modications, or at-
tachments could damage the transmitter, and may violate FCC regulations.

HX300Page 6
2. ACCESSORIES
2.1 PACKING LIST
When the package containing the transceiver is rst opened, please check it
for the following contents:
HX300 Transceiver
CAT460 Antenna
FNB-122LI 3.7 V, 1560 mAh Li-ion Battery Pack
PA-54B USB Wall Charger (100-240 VAC, Type-A plug)
SDD-14 USB DC Charger with Cigarette Lighter Plug
Charger Cable (Type USB “A” plug to Type USB mini “B” plug)
CLIP-22 Belt Clip
Hand Strap
Owner’s Manual
2.2 OPTIONS
CAT460 Antenna: AY139X001
CN-3 Radio-to-Ship’s-Antenna Adapter
FNB-122LI 3.7 V, 1560 mAh Li-ion Battery Pack
FBA-44 Alkaline Battery Case (3 x “AAA” Cell Size)
CLIP-22 Belt Clip: CP9672002
PA-54B/CUSB Wall Charger
SDD-14 USB DC Charger with Cigarette Lighter Plug
:“B” sufx has a Type-A plug, and “C” sufx has a Type-C plug. Both ver-
sions of the USB Wall Charger are available in 100-240 VAC.
Please see page 34 for replacement parts.
Note: Before operating the HX300 for the rst time, it is recommended that
the battery be charged. Please see section “4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING”
for details.

Page 7HX300
MEMO

HX300Page 8
3. ABOUT THIS RADIO
3.1 ABOUT THE VHF MARINE BAND
The radio frequencies used in the VHF marine band lie between 156 and 158
MHz with NOAA Weather stations available between 161 and 163 MHz. The
marine VHF band provides communications over distances that are essen-
tially “Line of sight” Actual transmission range depends much more on an-
tenna type, gain and height than on the power output of the transmitter. On a
xed mount 25 W radio transmission expected distances can be greater than
15 miles, for a portable 5 W radio transmission the expected distance can be
greater than 5 miles in “Line of sight”.
The user of a Marine VHF radio is subject to severe nes if the radio is used
on land. The reasoning for this is you may be near an inland waterway, or
propagation anomalies may cause your transmission to be heard in a water-
way. If this occurs, depending upon the marine VHF channel on which you
are transmitting, you could interfere with a search and rescue case, or con-
tribute to a collision between passing ships. For VHF Marine channel assign-
ments refer to section “9 VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART ASSIGNMENT”.
WARNING
This radio is capable of transmitting on Marine VHF.
The FCC allows the use of VHF Marine band on water areas only. How-
ever the FCC does not allow the use of the VHF Marine band when
on land. If persons use the VHF Marine Band on land and interfere
with others communicating, the FCC will be notied and search for the
interference. Responsible parties found to be transmitting on the VHF
Marine Band on land could be ned up to $10,000 for the rst offense.
3.2 ABOUT WATER RESISTANCE
The HX300 is only submersible※when the Battery Cover is latched and the
Charge (CHG) Cover is snapped closed.
※IPX8 Specication for submersibility: 5 ft. (1.5 m) for 30 minutes.
3.3 DISTRESS AND HAILING (CHANNEL 16)
Channel 16 is known as the Hail and Distress Channel. An emergency may
be dened as a threat to life or property. In such instances, be sure the trans-
ceiver is on and set to “Channel 16”. Then use the following procedure:
1. Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch and say “Mayday, Mayday, May-
day. This is _____, _____, _____” (your vessel’s name).
2. Then repeat once: “Mayday, _____” (your vessel’s name).

Page 9HX300
3. Now report your position in latitude/longitude, or by giving a true or mag-
netic bearing (state which) to a well-known landmark such as a naviga-
tion aid or geographic feature such as an island or harbor entry.
4. Explain the nature of your distress (sinking, collision, aground, re, heart
attack, life-threatening injury, etc.).
5. State the kind of assistance your desire (pumps, medical aid, etc.).
6. Report the number of persons aboard and condition of any injured.
7. Estimate the present seaworthiness and condition of your vessel.
8. Give your vessel’s description: length, design (power or sail), color and
other distinguishing marks. The total transmission should not exceed 1
minute.
9. End the message by saying “OVER”. Release the PTT switch and listen.
10. If there is no answer, repeat the above procedure. If there is still no re-
sponse, try another channel.
3.4 CALLING ANOTHER VESSEL (CHANNEL 16 OR 9)
Channel 16 may be used for initial contact (hailing) with another vessel.
However, its most important use is for emergency messages. This channel
must be monitored at all times except when actually using another channel.
It is monitored by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and by other ves-
sels. Use of channel 16 for hailing must be limited to initial contact only. Call-
ing should not exceed 30 seconds, but may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute
intervals. In areas of heavy radio trafc, congestion on channel 16 resulting
from its use as a hailing channel can be reduced signicantly in U.S. waters
by using Channel 9 as the initial contact (hailing) channel for non-emergency
communications. Here, also, calling time should not exceed 30 seconds but
may be repeated 3 times at 2-minute intervals.
Prior to making contact with another vessel, refer to the channel charts in this
manual, and select an appropriate channel for communications after initial
contact. For example, Channels 68 and 69 of the U.S. VHF Charts are some
of the channels available to non-commercial (recreational) boaters. Monitor
your desired channel in advance to make sure you will not be interrupting
other trafc, and then go back to either channel 16 or 9 for your initial contact.
When the hailing channel (16 or 9) is clear, state the name of the other ves-
sel you wish to call and then “this is” followed by the name of your vessel
and your Station License (Call Sign). When the other vessel returns your
call, immediately request another channel by saying “go to”, the number of
the other channel, and “over”. Then switch to the new channel. When the
new channel is not busy, call the other vessel.

HX300Page 10
After a transmission, say “over”, and release the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch.
When all communication with the other vessel is completed, end the last
transmission by stating your Call Sign and the word “out”. Note that it is not
necessary to state your Call Sign with each transmission, only at the begin-
ning and end of the contact.
Remember to return to Channel 16 when not using another channel. Some
radios automatically monitor Channel 16 even when set to other channels or
when scanning.
3.5 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 13
Channel 13 is used at docks, bridges and for maneuvering in port. Messages
on this channel must concern navigation only, such as meeting and pass-
ing in restricted waters. In emergencies and when approaching blind river
bends, High power is allowed. Pressing the key will change the power
output from Low Power (1 Watt) to High (5 Watts). When you change from
this channel then return to it, low power will be automatically selected.
3.6 OPERATING ON CHANNEL 67
When channel 67 is used for navigational bridge-to-bridge trafc between
ships, Normal, High or Medium power may be used temporarily (in the USA
band) by pressing the key. When you select this channel again, the
transceiver will revert to low power.
3.7 SIMPLEX/DUPLEX CHANNEL USE
Refer to the section “9 VHF MARINE CHANNEL CHART ASSIGNMENT” for
instructions on use of simplex and duplex channels.
NOTE
All channels are factory-programmed in accordance with FCC (USA),
Industry Canada and International regulations. The mode of opera-
tion cannot be altered from simplex to duplex or vice-versa. Simplex
(ship to ship) or duplex (marine operator) mode is automatically acti-
vated, depending on the channel and whether the USA, International
or Canadian operating band is selected.

Page 11HX300
3.8 AUTOMATED RADIO CHECK SERVICE
In areas across the country, Sea Tow offers boaters a way to conduct radio
checks. To use Sea Tow’s free Automated Radio Check service, simply tune
your VHF radio to the appropriate channel for your location and conduct a
radio check as you typically would. Upon releasing your radio’s microphone,
the system will play an automated message and relay your transmission
back to you, thereby letting you know how your signal will sound to other
boaters.
The Automated Radio Check Service is currently available in the areas listed
below.
West Coast
Sea Tow Newport/LA - Ch. 27
Sea Tow San Diego - Ch. 27
Northeast
Sea Tow Portland-Midcoast (Maine) - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Boston - Ch. 27
Sea Tow South Shore (Mass.) - Ch. 28
Sea Tow Rhode Island - Ch. 24
Sea Tow Eastern Long Island - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Huntington (N.Y.) - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Manasquan (N.J.) - Ch. 28
Mid-Atlantic
Sea Tow Northern Chesapeake (Md.) - Ch. 28
Sea Tow Central Chesapeake (Md.) - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Hampton Roads (Va.) - Ch. 28
North Carolina
Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach - Ch. 28
Sea Tow Ocean Isle Beach - Ch. 28
Florida
Sea Tow Sebastian - Ch. 28
Sea Tow Fort Lauderdale - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Charlotte Harbor - Ch. 24
Sea Tow Tampa Bay - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Horseshoe Beach - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Carrabelle/St. Marks - Ch. 27
Sea Tow Pensacola/Orange Beach (Ala.) - Ch. 27

HX300Page 12
4. GETTING STARTED
4.1 RADIO CARE
CAUTION
Before following the instructions below, insure the battery pack is in
place and the cover is latched. Care must be taken if the radio was
dropped and a close inspection may be needed to insure the radio
case and gaskets are in adequate condition.
After using the HX300 in salt water environment is recommended to clean
the radio with fresh by rinsing the radio under a sink faucet or by dunking the
radio in a bucket of fresh water. After washing, use a soft cloth and thorough-
ly dry all parts of the radio. This is to keep the rubber switches and speaker
grill clean and in top operating condition.
4.2 BATTERIES AND CHARGERS
If the radio has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged
by connecting the PA-54B USB Wall Charger or SDD-14 USB DC Charger
with Cigarette Lighter Plug with the Charge Cable, see section “4.2.3 BAT-
TERY CHARGING”. The PA-54B or SDD-14 will charge a completely dis-
charged FNB-122LI battery pack in about 6 hours.
If the USB port is available (such as your personal computer), You may
charge the FNB-122LI battery pack by connecting the supplied Charge Ca-
ble between the HX300 and USB port.
The FNB-122LI is a high performance Li-ion battery providing high capacity
in a compact package.
FNB-122LI Rechargeable Battery Pack
Capacity 1560 mAh
Nominal Voltage 3.7 V
Temperature Range Minimum Maximum
°C °F °C °F
Charge 5 41 35 95
Discharge –20 –4 60 140
Storage –10 14 35 95
CAUTION
To avoid risk of explosion and injury, FNB-122LI battery pack should
only be removed, charged or recharged in non-hazardous environments.

Page 13HX300
4.2.1 BATTERY SAFETY
Battery packs for your transceiver contain Li-ion batteries. This type of bat-
tery stores a charge powerful enough to be dangerous if misused or abused,
especially when removed from the transceiver. Please observe the following
precautions:
DO NOT SHORT BATTERY PACK TERMINALS: Shorting the terminals
that power the transceiver can cause sparks, severe overheating, burns, and
battery cell damage. If the short is of sufcient duration, it is possible to melt
battery components. Do not place a loose battery pack on or near metal sur-
faces or objects such as paper clips, keys, tools, etc. When the battery pack
is installed on the transceiver, the terminals that transfer current to the trans-
ceiver are not exposed. The terminals that are exposed on the battery pack
when it is mounted on the transceiver are charging terminals only and do not
constitute a hazard.
DO NOT INCINERATE: Do not dispose of any battery in a re or incinerator.
The heat of re may cause battery cells to explode and/or release dangerous
gases.
Battery Maintenance
For safe and proper battery use, please observe the following:
Battery packs should be charged only in non-hazardous environments;
Use only STANDARD HORIZON-approved batteries;
 Exceeding the specied temperature limits;
Reversing charge polarity. Use only the proper charger. If this is tam-
pered with or another charger is used, permanent damage may result;
Use only a STANDARD HORIZON approved charger. The use of any
other charger may cause permanent damage to the battery.
Follow charging instructions provided with the chargers.
Submersing the battery in water, or attempting to open the battery casing.
Keep the battery contacts clean.
Battery Storage
When a battery pack is not used for a long time, please remove it from the
transceiver. Also, while in storage, the charge will drain slightly over time and
the battery should be recharged each six months.
Store the batteries in a cool place to maximize storage life. Since batteries are
subject to self-discharge, avoid high storage temperatures that cause large
self-discharge rates. After extended storage, a full recharge is recommended.

HX300Page 14
Battery Recycling
DO NOT PLACE USED BATTERIES IN YOUR REGULAR TRASH!
LI-ION BATTERIES MUST BE COLLECTED, RECYCLED
OR DISPOSED OF IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANNER.
The incineration, land lling or mixing of Li-ion batteries with the municipal
solid waste stream is PROHIBITED BY LAW in most areas.
Return batteries to an approved Li-ion battery recycler. This may be where
you purchased the battery.
Contact your local waste management ofcials for other information regard-
ing the environmentally sound collection, recycling and disposal of Li-ion bat-
teries.
4.2.2 BATTERY INSTALLATION / REMOVAL
Open the Battery Cover Latch on the bottom of the radio, then remove
the Battery Cover from the radio while pulling the bottom side of the Bat-
tery Cover.
Install the FNB-122LI Battery Pack into the radio, by carefully mating the
battery’s two alignment tabs on the top side
of the Battery Pack with their corresponding
alignment slots in the Battery Nest of the ra-
dio, then gently press the bottom side of the
Battery Pack until it locks in place.
Install the Battery Cover by carefully align-
ing the two tabs on the top of the cover with
the slots on the radio, then gently press the
bottom side of the Battery Cover. Confirm
that a Rubber Gasket of the Battery Cover
is installed correctly.
Close the Battery Cover Latch until it locks
in place with a “Click”.
CAUTION
To insure the HX300 will not have a problem
with water intrusion, make sure the battery
cover is properly installed and the battery
latch is closed.

Page 15HX300
4.2.3 BATTERY CHARGING
1. Turn the transceiver off.
2. Slide the CHG cover button (with arrow)
up to open the CHG cover, then connect
the supplied Charge Cable to the CHG
jack on the HX300.
3. Connect the other side plug of the sup-
plied Charge Cable to the PA-54B, then
plug the PA-54B into the AC line outlet.
If only 12 ~ 24 Volt DC power is avail-
able, the supplied SDD-14 USB DC
Charger with Cigarette Lighter Plug may
also be used for charging the battery.
4. If the connection is correct, the “ ”
and “ ” icon will appear in the display.
A fully-discharged pack will be charged completely in approximately 6
hours.
5. When charging is completed, the “ ” icon disappears and “FL” will ap-
pear in the display. Disconnect the Charge Cable from the HX300 and
close the CHG cover securely (make sure a click is heard), then unplug the
PA-54B from the AC line outlet.
CAUTION
When using the radio, make sure the CHG cover is completely
closed to insure water integrity.
The PA-54B/SDD-14 is NOT designed to be waterproof. Do not at-
tempt to charge in water hazardous locations.
NOTE
The HX300 may also be charged by connecting the USB cable to
the radio and a USB connector on a PC. It will take about 6 hours
to charge the battery and FL will be shown on the HX300 display
when charging is completed.
The PA-54B/SDD-14 is only designed for the charging of the
HX300’s battery pack, and is not suitable for other purposes. The
PA-54B/SDD-14 may contribute noise to TV and radio reception in
the immediate vicinity, so it do not recommend its use adjacent to
such device.
When carefully maintained, a pack should be useful for about 300
charge/discharge cycles.

HX300Page 16
4.3 BELT CLIP INSTALLATION / REMOVAL
To install the Belt Clip: align the
Belt Clip to the groove of the
Battery pack, then press the Belt
Clip downward until it locks in
place with a “Click”.
ê
HAND STRAP INSTALLATION
é
Belt Clip Tab

To remove the Belt Clip: press
the Belt Clip Tab away from the
battery pack to unlock the Belt
Clip, then slide the Belt Clip up-
ward to remove it.

Page 17HX300
4.4 INSTALLATION OF OPTION
4.4.1 FBA-44 ALKALINE BATTERY CASE
FBA-44 is a Battery Case that holds three “AAA” size Alkaline Batteries and
is used with the HX300 transceiver.
CAUTION
To insure the HX300 will not have a problem with water intrusion, make
sure the battery cover is properly installed and the battery latch is closed.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The power output will be reduced to “Low Power” (1 W) automatically
when using the FBA-44.
Install the three “AAA” size Alkaline Batteries into the
FBA-44 Battery Case with the Negative (–) side of the
batteries touching the spring connections inside the
FBA-44 Battery Case (Figure 1).
Turn over the FBA-44 Battery Case, then insert the
FBA-44 Battery Case into the Battery Compartment,
by a same manner of the installation of the FNB-122LI
(Figure 2).

Re-install the Battery Cover (Figure 3), then close the
Battery Cover Latch until it locks in place with a “Click”
(Figure 4).
NOTE
The FBA-44 is designed for use only with “AAA” size Alkaline
Cells. Do not attempt to install any rechargeable battery cell.
If you do not use the HX300 for a long time, remove the Alkaline
batteries from the FBA-44, as battery leakage could cause dam-
age to the FBA-44 and/or HX300.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

HX300Page 18
5. CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
5.1 CONTROLS AND SWITCHES
NOTE
This section denes each control of the transceiver. For detailed oper-
ating instructions, refer to section “6 BASIC OPERATION”. Refer to
illustrations for the location of the following controls, switches, and
connections.
ANT Jack (Top Panel)
The supplied CAT460 exible antenna is attached here.
PTT (PUSH-TO-TALK)Switch (Left Side Panel)
When pushed activates the transmitter.
LCD Display
This display shows current operating conditions, as indicated on the
page 21.

Page 19HX300
Keypad
Key
Pressing this key immediately recalls channel 16 from any channel loca-
tion. Holding down this key recalls channel 9. Pressing this key again
reverts to the previous selected working channel.
Key
Press to stop the Scan, Priority Scan, Dual or Tri-Watch feature.
Secondary use:
Press and hold this key to immediately recall the last-used NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Channel from any
channel location. Recalls the previously- selected working channel when
the key is pressed again.
Advanced use:
When the key is held and the key is pressed, the radio will
change the marine band between the USA, International, and Canadian
channels.
Key
Press this key to toggle the transmitter output power between “High”
(5 Watts) and “Low” (1 Watt) power. This key does not function on the
“Transmission Inhibited” and “Low power only” channels.
Secondary use:
Hold down this key to lock the keypad (except the , and PTT
keys) so that they are not accidentally changed. The “ ” Keylock icon
will appear at the top left on the display, to indicate that the functions are
locked. Hold down this key until the “ ” Keylock icon disappears to un-
lock the radio.
Key
Press this key to change the operating channel, receiver volume level,
and squelch threshold level.
Press the key momentarily, the channel (or level) will increase one step.
Holding the key, the channel (or level) will increase continuously.
Key
Press this key to change the operating channel, receiver volume level,
and squelch threshold level.
Press the key momentarily, the channel (or level) will decrease one step.
Holding the key, the channel (or level) will decrease continuously.
Key
Press and hold this key for two seconds to turn the radio “on” or “off”.

HX300Page 20
Key
Press this key to toggle the operation mode from Speaker Volume ad-
justment, SQL adjustment, and Channel selection.
Secondary use:
a. Press and hold this key to open the squelch, allowing you to moni-
tor the operating channel. Release the key to resume normal (quiet)
monitoring.
b. Setup mode may be enabled. Refer section “7. MENU (“SET”)
MODE” for details
Key
Starts scanning and priority scanning of channels programmed into
memory. Refer to section “6.9.1 PROGRAMMING SCAN MEMORY”.
Secondary use:
a. Press and hold the key for two seconds to activate the Dual
Watch feature.
b. Used to program channels into Scan memory. Refer to section “6.9.1
PROGRAMMING SCAN MEMORY”.
Key
Immediately recalls one of up to 10 user preset memories for each band
(shown as “P0” - “P9” on the LCD). Refer to section “6.8.2 OPERATION”.
Secondary use:
Used top program channels into the Preset Channel memory. Refer to
section “6.8.1 PROGRAMMING”.
Speaker
The internal speaker is located here.
CHG (Charge) Cover/Jack (Left Side Panel)
This mini-USB (Type-B) jack allows to connection to the supplied PA-54B
USB Wall Charger or SDD-14 USB DC Charger with Cigarette Lighter
Plug with the supplied Charge Cable.
Microphone
The internal microphone is located here.
When transmitting, position your mouth about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.2 ~ 2.5 cm)
away from the small mic hole. Speak slowly and clearly into the micro-
phone.
Water Enabled Light
When the HX300 comes in contact with water, the light will blink red to
assist nding the radio in low light conditions. This feature operates when
the radio is on or off. To setup the blinking of the light refer to section “7.
MENU (“SET”) MODE”.